2001 American Urological Association Gallup Survey: changes in physician practice patterns, satisfaction with urology, and treatment of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The Health Policy Survey and Research Committee of the American Urological Association and the Gallup organization have performed 9 surveys of American urologists since 1992 for the purpose of assessing demographics and practice patterns. The results of the 2001 survey are presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 507 urologists was interviewed in February and March 2001. Major content areas were physician practice patterns, cryosurgery/brachytherapy, prostate specific antigen, erectile dysfunction, Medicare and the Internet.

RESULTS: Membership in the American Urological Association continues to increase among American urologists. The number of patients seen weekly in the office also continues to increase. While age at retirement has not changed significantly, most urologists are satisfied with the specialty and increasing numbers are using the Internet.

CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive procedures such as brachytherapy for prostate cancer continue to proliferate and there is evidence that the specialty of urology is continuing to become more office based. The demand for urological services appears to be continuing to increase.